WSP07896

• File Number: 8449.600
• Description: Chatfield Reservoir
• State: CO
• Basin: South Platte
• Date: 2/1/1976
• Author: M W Bittinger & Asso
• Title: Preliminary Feasiblity Estimate of the Potential Use of the Conservation Pool of Chatfield Reservoir
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

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into this category are Union Reservoir, Lower Latham Reservoir, and Milton

Lake of the Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company. It should be noted

that the use of Union Reservoir water could only be accomplished by an

'exchange since this reservoir is not filled from the South Platte River.

The transfer of reservoir water from do\'Ustream reservoirs into Chatfield

would probably present the least amount of legal problems.

Acquisition and transfer of parts of direct-flow priorities. There

are a number of requirements placing 'limitations upon such transfers. The

transfer is generally limited to the consumptively used portion of that

water right. Further requirement is that the land upon which the water

right has been used will be physically dried up. Diversions under this

right at a new location will only be possible at times when water would have

been available at the old diversion point, and water is physically available

at the new point of diversion. These limitations are likely to reduce the

historically diverted amount to one-third or one-fourth of the original

amount at the new location.

This alternative is not to be pursueu at any amplified rate; however,

offers uncovered while other water rights are investigated must be considered

and evaluated on an individual basis.

Ground-t<ater exchange.

The District has constructed certain wells with the purpose of provid-

ing replacement water to the stream as part of its augmentation program.

The operation of these wells will be infrequent and limited to the irriga-

tion season. Since the wells are constructed they lend themselves to a

ground-water exchange operation should such an alternative become desirable.

This operation could be practiced during times of senior demand below'

,the wells to the extent the existing demand is satisfied by water passing

the Chatfield Reservoir. A part of the demand would be provided from the

ground water with the corresponding quantity withheld in the reservoir.

Depletion caused by the well pumping will have to be replaced from either

water in the reservoir or from some other sources in a sub-augmentation plan.

Reliance on this alternative is not contemplated in this plan. It is

mentioned only to present a full set of the potentials available to secure

the fulfillment of the contract.

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M. W. BITTINGER AND ASSOCIATES, INC.